As a seasoned movie buff with a soft spot for comedians who push boundaries and challenge societal norms, I must say that Ali Wong’s latest special, “Ali Wong: Single Lady,” left me both entertained and inspired. Her fearless approach to sex, divorce, and dating in her mid-40s is not only refreshing but also a testament to the power of financial independence and self-assuredness.
Despite Ali Wong’s open discussions about sex during her comedy performances, her initial three specials were rooted in a sense of sexual modesty due to her long-term, monogamous marriage. However, in “Single Lady,” her fourth self-directed hour, she breaks free from all limitations. It’s been two years since Wong divorced her husband after nearly a decade of marriage. This newfound freedom led to an exploration that Wong vividly describes in the same explicit detail she used when narrating the birth of her first child. “I really went on a spree,” the 42-year-old admits, and she certainly has the stories to back it up.
However, “Single Lady” is not just a tale of Wong’s past experiences for the enthusiastic crowd at L.A.’s Wiltern Theater. Instead, her stand-up performance aims to transform the stereotype of the middle-aged divorced woman, often depicted as unfortunate, into one that exudes victory. She herself serves as the prime example. Wong encourages her audience, “Look how much I’m enjoying myself!” While she effectively argues her case, it’s less about the general situation of midlife divorce and more about her unique circumstances – starting with the fact that her separation made headlines across the nation, an event she refers to as a beacon signaling to all potential suitors that she was now available.
In Wong’s account, there are several men such as a well-known movie director, a young woman who shared her debut “thirst trap” video with the performer at age 25, an elderly man who vocalized when he reached climax, a Japanese American drummer, and a Caucasian gentleman who struggled to distinguish between a teacup and a rice bowl. Wong clarifies that she no longer intends to ensnare men, referring to the recurring theme in her popular debut special from 2016, “Baby Cobra.” Now freed from the restrictions of commitment, she can indulge in the variety that the contemporary dating scene offers.
As a cinephile, I must say that “Baby Cobra” had an unexpected twist. Despite Wong’s constant emphasis on seeking a wealthy husband to support her, it was she who ended up covering her spouse’s student loans. This clever switcheroo highlighted money and the power it carries as the central theme running through Wong’s oeuvre. With an Emmy-winning performance in “Beef” under her belt, along with her stand-up comedy, motherhood, Asian American identity, and bold profanity are all recurring themes. However, it is wealth that Wong tackles with a raw honesty and sense of achievement that sets her apart, as evident in “Single Lady” and her previous works.
Wong firmly believes that she should cover the costs for the initial meeting with potential partners, and she acknowledges this might seem unusual. “It may sound a bit out there,” she jokes, adding, “But I’m a millionaire.” Consequently, she can arrange flights for her dates to Los Angeles, furnish her home with high-end Toto toilets, and above all, approach dating as a self-reliant divorced mother. For many women, partnership is not just about love but also about the economy. Unlike most women, Wong sees dating as a means to fulfill her personal desires, an outlook that some might find inspirational rather than practical in today’s society.
In the 2022 special “Don Wong,” Don Wong showed a similar boldness in attitude. Among the many taboos Wong tackles, such as discussing breastfeeding in graphic detail and delivering humorous stand-up while visibly pregnant, her unapologetic acceptance of her own achievements might be the most difficult to conform to societal expectations. In “Don Wong,” Wong shares insights on the keys to a strong marriage, which sometimes borders on self-congratulation. However, in “Single Lady,” Wong remains resilient and guarded – she begins the special by acknowledging that the media attention surrounding her divorce left her feeling embarrassed, but ends it by emphasizing her close friendship with her co-parent and ex. The causes behind the marriage’s dissolution are never disclosed.
Observing from a different perspective, Wong’s self-assuredness takes on a more bold tone. Instead of focusing on nurturing her relationships during a casual fling, she seems more preoccupied with gathering material for herself. Similarly, when presented with gifts from admirers, she doesn’t hesitate to accept them, regardless of any future plans. The special does have one minor inconsistency: Wong often refers to herself as a “kind 6,” while men her age were pursuing 10s in the past. However, it must be said that Wong appears neither ordinary nor particularly considerate towards others. One of the standout moments in “Single Lady” is when she openly scorns insecure male comedians and the younger women they ask her to supervise at various events. While it’s not very supportive of Wong to look down on “Insta-hoes,” it does reflect some frank, albeit less-than-polite feelings.
Fans of Wong are already aware that “Single Lady” is something of a misnomer, as she has been in a public relationship with Bill Hader for over a year now. Throughout the show, she subtly references this relationship without directly mentioning her partner’s name. She jokes about needing a man who comes “pre-yelled at,” since she refers to herself as only being able to seriously spend time with a divorced father. This development provides Wong with a satisfying conclusion and allows her to view her exploration as a closed, finite chapter that she can incorporate into her act. Although Wong makes sweeping statements like “for women, 40 is the golden age – to get divorced,” it’s clear that the last two years of her life have been as extraordinary as her talents. Not every divorcée will experience the same level of success as Wong did in the immediate aftermath, and very few will turn their experiences into an entertaining account like she has. “Single Lady” is not a self-help guide, but it’s a captivating testimony.
“Ali Wong: Single Lady” is now streaming on Netflix.
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2024-10-08 10:17